A former New Zealand prime minister once laughed off emigration of his young compatriots to Australia as an IQ boost for both countries. But a brain drain is no joke. Few developing countries can afford it. It may be argued that China is one that can at this stage of its development because a population of more than 1.3 billion provides a bottomless pool of talent.

Pottery and grains traditionally found in northern China were recently unearthed in the southwestern province of Yunnan, renewing a long-standing debate about how Chinese civilisation evolved in the region and offering clues about an ancient migration route.

This year marks a watershed in Chinese urbanisation: for the first time in China's history, over half of its people now live in the city. With an average of over one percentage point added to the rate of urbanisation every year for the past 33 years, it's an achievement to be proud of.

Migrant workers who have been fighting for their children's right to attend high school and sit university entrance exams in Shanghai, instead of being forced to return to their hometowns, are eagerly awaiting possible policy changes.

Domestic workers complained of being treated like 'slaves' yesterday as they protested against a ban on living outside their employers' homes, and demanded that rules protecting their rights are enforced properly.

The regulation ratified by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress shortens the minimum duration of residential certificates for foreigners carrying a work visa to 90 days - half of the current period.